But, despite more than 11,000 petition signatures from angry residents, councillors went ahead and voted in favour of selling the land.

The rest of the cash needed for the centre, which includes an ampitheatre, ornamental gardens and outdoor tennis facilities, is predominantly funded by Rivendell, who would then lease the facility to the council for the next 30 years.

The sports centre plan also includes four badminton courts, a dance studio, a health and fitness centre and three swimming pools.

One of the pools would include a floor which could be lowered to help disabled people get into the water.